DON’T KNOW HOW TO FEEL—NUMBNESS IS NOT THE ANSWER
We are currently living in a country where violence, hatred, bullying, racism, prejudice, lack of kindness, compassion and empathy have taken over most of society. The top leader in the country urges his supporters to perpetuate these horrible sentiments in their communities, in the media and in government. The legal system finds itself in a pickle since the top leader could care less about hard fought policies and laws, the bill of rights and our constitution. The right to due process, has been literally trampled upon by the current administration. Judges issue indictments but the white house, and their minions ignore them.
Many question, what is this country coming to? Others are embarrassed to be a US citizen. Many have joined their neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members taking to the streets in high protest of all the punitive policies, federal cuts and the power-hungry dictator in the white house. The news media follows white house decisions daily, but these decisions change constantly depending on what suits the dictator want to be king at that moment. There does not appear to be any regard for the pain inflicted on children, youth and families across the United States. Other countries and allies across the oceans remain perplexed, at awe wondering how the United States allowed itself to sink this low. Democracy is at risk, everyone knows it; it has been for a few years. This want to be king, had a term in the oval office and he screwed up the country, yet voters elected him a second time—or did they?
When we as a people elected one of the most impactful presidents, the first Black president, many in this country who had been quiet white supremacists, racists hiding behind computer screens began their plan to supposedly Make America Great Again. What does this phrase really mean? I am convinced that for many the thought of a Black family in the white house was just unfathomable. I believe that Make America Great Again is the backlash to our having elected the first Black president. Because even though we have come a long way we have a very long way to go. And # 47 was scheming with his billionaire compadres to bully himself into the most powerful position-US President by peddling fear, hatred and division and praying on the most vulnerable.
Many are still asking: How did US voters allow this to happen? Who in their right mind votes for a convicted felon who spouts hatred, division and fear-why give this person power? When people say to me, can you believe what he has done? I say yes, he is doing exactly what he said he would do. He did not keep it a secret. Getting rid of Black and Brown immigrants was a large part of Making America Great Again. Damaging international relations and imposing travel bans (mostly on black and brown countries), tariffs and bullying the education system elementary through university level was articulated as a plan during his campaign. None of this is a surprise.
The real question is how could Americans allow hate, prejudice, fear and immorality to win in this country? It is heartbreaking to watch children, youth and families being dragged away by masked men and women who do not identify themselves and sneak into communities to raise havoc and insight violence. The disrespect to public and elected officials, the attacks on democrat states and sanctuary cities, the disregard for due process even for legal residents its chilling. Never would we have thought this would happen in the United States of America where immigration has been the vehicle that populated the country since its beginnings. Hypocrisy, violence, inhumane policies and practices, bullyish behavior and scare tactics are what governs today. So, how should we feel?
Enraged! Aggrieved! Watching hard fought policies and laws be irradicated by the most irrational, inhumane bully in the country is like living in a bad nightmare that will not end!
Yet Numbness is not an option—we must remain hopeful that the pillars of democracy that have carried this nation will prevail. Hopeful that Congress will muster some courage. Hopeful the average American will wake and revolt against tyranny. Hopeful that voters will act right in the midterm elections. Above all--Hopeful that God and the universe hear our prayers.